Chives (Grasuie)

Chives (Grasuie) #

Allium schoenoprasum

Placehoder

Quick Info #

  • Distribution & habitat: chives are said to rarely grow in the wild, but actually they are indigenous to the mountains of Europe and Asia, from Ireland to Siberia, appearing in shadowy parts of nature and enduring cold winters
  • Family: Liliaceae
  • Florescence: mid-summer
  • Name origin: the genus name comes from the classical Latin name for garlic. The epithet comes from the Greek “schoinos” meaning “rush” and “prason” meaning leek
  • Other names: civet, Old English chives, rush leeks, sweth
  • Plant: perennial

Description #

Chives are said to be some of the oldest recorded herbs, reportedly going as far back as 5000 years. A chive grows as a bulb with long, hair-like roots. The stems are hollow, grey-green and grass-like.

Chives have tight, pink to purple flowerheads and thin, round leaflets.

Uses & Ecology #

Chives are ubiquitous for their culinary value and are best used fresh when cooking. Beyond that, however, they can also be an aesthetically pleasing edging for your garden. Chives do have some mildly antiseptic qualities as well, and these may have a limited healing effect. Chives are further thought to stave off colds and flu.

Being high in iron and vitamin C, chives are considered good for building up the blood. Chives also mildly stimulate the appetite and can help with digestion.

Often, people who don’t like normal onions appreciate the fine taste of chives instead. The flowers are said to be as flavourful as the sprigs.

References #

  • Christoffels, G. & Pauwels, I. (2006) Gekruid: Lewe Gesond en Lekker met Kruie Uit Jou Eie Tuin. Cape Town: Struik Publishers.
  • Craze, R. & Webb, M.A (2004) The Herb & Spice Companion. New York: Barnes & Noble Inc.
  • Hey, B. (1992) A Celebration of Herbs for the South African Garden & Home. Cape Town: Struik Publishers (Pty) Ltd.
  • Missouri Botanical Garden (n.d.) Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j270 (Accessed: 6 January 2026)
  • Roberts, M. (1993) Alles oor Kruie. Cape Town: Struik Publishers.

Caution: Consult a qualified health practitioner before considering medically using or ingesting any plant parts. Any mentioned traditional uses are based on cultural practices and anecdotal evidence. They are not necessarily clinically proven or supported by modern scientific studies.